Predictive value of human footprints in a forensic context

Previous work from the United States has shown close correlation between an individual's size and weight and predetermined measurements taken from his or her footprints. This study investigated the situation in a group of United Kingdom subjects, for which there is at present little data. Walking and standing footprints, fleshed foot measurements and stature were obtained from 105 adult volunteers from the staff and students of the United Medical and Dental Schools of Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals, London. The footprints were measured using predetermined landmarks and the results analysed to investigate the significance of the parameters in a forensic context. Inter-observer and intra-observer errors were within acceptable limits. Regression equations were calculated for foot length from various parameters measured on a footprint. Topinard's finding that foot length represents between 14.9%-18.1% of stature in a given individual was confirmed. Footprint length showed a normal distribution in both sexes but male footprint length was greater than female footprint length for any given height. This study provides a quantitative method that could be used both with partial footprints and in the absence of dermatoglyphics to assist in the identification of an individual in a forensic context.